With the home fixture with Walsall (8th October) postponed, it will be vital that the Blades come away from Highbury avoiding defeat. They have drawn in their last (and only) two league visits to this ground. United however remain unbeaten in five matches with four games won during this period, including Tuesday night's win at home to Bristol Rovers.
Sheffield United extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 1-0 win against Bristol Rovers following a second-half goal from substitute Harry Chapman. It was a fairly evenly contested first half with Ollie Clarke shooting narrowly wide for the visitors from 20 yards after collecting a loose ball. For the hosts, John Fleck put a shot just wide and Rovers keeper Kelle Roos saved Billy Sharp's effort with his legs. Sharp also fired wide and Stefan Scougall had an effort blocked.
Rovers threatened in the latter stages of the half with Chris Lines having a free-kick well saved by Simon Moore and Easter heading over. Easter wasted a great chance after the re-start, firing wide after being put through by Ellis Harrison. Ollie Clarke put a long-range effort straight at Moore and Harrison had a low shot saved.
The goal came when Daniel Lafferty's cross from the left was met by a Chapman header after 65 minutes. The visitors were reduced to 10 men a minute later when Easter was sent-off after clashing with Jack O'Connell.
Blades boss Chris Wilder will once again be without midfielder Chris Basham, who serves the second of a three match ban following his dismissal at Scunthorpe United on 24 September. He was absent from the victory over Bristol Rovers and will miss the fixtures at Fleetwood and against Walsall (Checkatrade Trophy). He will be made available in the League One fixture at home to Port Vale on 15th October.
Defenders Jake Wright and James Wilson both missed out the last two fixtures to knocks and remain doubtful so boss Chris Wilder could recall Chris Hussey or hand a debut to new signing Reece Brown, who joined the club as a free agent last week. Meanwhile Striker Leon Clarke will be out of action for a month after further scans revealed he had chipped a bone in his ankle.
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